JOLIET – A dog who serves as both a family pet and autism therapy went missing Thursday.

Ruben Contreras said when he left the house about 4 p.m., Marley was on the porch in the fenced-in yard, but was gone when he returned a half-hour later. The Contreras family lives near Chicago Street and Interstate 80.

"He has a chip, but I'm worried something happened to him already," Contreras said Friday afternoon. Contreras informed animal control the 5-year-old white poodle was missing and has checked local shelters.

"He's our pet, but he's also been a therapy dog because both my children are autistic," Contreras said. His 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son both pet Marley "to calm down when they get mad," he said.

Anyone with information on Marley can call Joliet Township Animal Control at 815-725-0333.